For those of us with small kitchens, storage solutions are a major point of interest. Whether it's minimal counter space or a lack of shelving, it is important to strategize to avoid a build-up of clutter.
Lainey Wilson has the right idea with her vertical storage cabinets, which make use of dead space and nearly reach the ceiling. And, while we're sure her Nashville home is far from compact, it still delivers lessons in how to make use of 'dead' space – a teaching that translates to homes of every size.
In a video shared to her Instagram page, we can see that her sleek, white cabinets appear both below her countertops as well as above, maximizing all available storage space in the room. While many of us may leave this area empty, the singer's cabinets remind us that almost all wall space can serve as storage – and it's a look that designers love.
Shop our vertical storage edit
This spice rack is highly functional and beautiful enough to be displayed proudly on the countertops, as well as hidden in a vertical shelving unit.
We love this simple style: it's sturdy, stylish, and surprisingly inexpensive. These jars make for great staples in vertical storage units, as you can stack them on top of one another.
This turn-table organizer is ideal for just about anything you need to hand – from herbs and spices to our favorite sweet snacks. The double tier is ideal for vertical cabinets, with height allowing for maximum storage.
According to designers, opting for vertical storage in a small space like a kitchen is not only a wise decision but one that will never go out of style.
'The kitchen is a room where maximizing on every square inch of space available is crucial in creating a really practical, functional and beautiful design,' says Samantha Santini, interior designer and founder of Collection Noir.
'Opting for vertical kitchen storage, particularly tall cabinets and wall-hung cabinets that extend to the ceiling, provides the most efficient use of space and allows you to take full advantage of the vertical space. Instead of leaving the upper portion of the walls unused or cluttered with kitchen paraphernalia and decorative items that will gather dust, designing your cabinets to go flush to the ceiling will create more organized storage space and help to hide away those items that would otherwise look cluttered. It’s something that is especially beneficial in kitchens where space is at a premium, giving you a lot more room to store your cookware, pantry items, and less frequently used appliances.'
Additionally, Santini says that vertical cabinets look visually pleasing, creating continuity between the walls and the ceiling. In Wilson's kitchen, the white cabinet hue contrasts the deep gray ceiling tone, creating a juxtaposition that's equally as aesthetic. However, as the designer explains, you can also leave your cabinets the same color for a streamlined effect.
'Beyond the practical and functional benefits, tall cabinets and those that go to the ceiling can help to create a cleaner and streamlined aesthetic,' Santini explains. 'You eliminate the visual gap between standard cabinets and the ceiling - which can often make a kitchen look unfinished or disjointed. The continuous lines of full-height cabinets add to a more cohesive and sophisticated appearance, and in modern, open-plan spaces, allow the kitchen to become part of the overall design (these are spaces where clients want the kitchen to look less like a kitchen, and more like beautifully designed furniture). It helps to minimize distractions, removes any visible dead space, and can look very sophisticated and elegant whether you go for a modern, minimalist kitchen design or something more traditional.
She continues, 'Ultimately, full-height cabinets accentuate the ceiling height and will make the room feel bigger, more open and luxurious. It’s a design feature that you see in high-end homes and is the epitome of luxury and grandeur. With the right choice of materials, finishes, and hardware, this look can really make a beautiful statement in any kitchen - especially if you opt for stone-fronted cabinet doors. This really allows the beauty and elegance of the stone to be a hero piece.'
